New members join forces to advance local medtech manufacturing

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The Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA) has welcomed Pathology Technology Australia (PTA), the Association of Healthcare Supply and Procurement Officers (AHSPO), and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) as new steering group members. 

Spearheaded by the BioMelbourne Network, the Alliance is a collaborative effort uniting industry leaders and peak bodies to advocate for Victorian SME medtech manufacturers. 

The initiative, funded by the Victorian Government as a pilot program, aims to empower the broader national medtech agenda and address key issues in the sector.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network and lead for the Alliance, emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry and healthcare.

“With industry and health two sides to the same coin, it’s critical to the Alliance’s success to have both perspectives in the room to drive meaningful outcomes.”

She highlighted how the expertise of PTA in in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), MTAA’s medtech experience, and AHSPO’s healthcare supply chain insights combine with the capabilities of MTPConnect, AMTIL, AusBiotech, and the Industry Capability Network to create a united advocacy front.

The Alliance’s objectives include enhancing procurement pathways to prioritise Australian-made medtech, advocating for systemic changes to support local innovation, and fostering stronger collaboration between manufacturers, diagnostic providers, and healthcare stakeholders.

Dean Whiting, CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, underlined the significance of diagnostics in healthcare innovation, saying, “Joining AMMA allows us to collaborate across the medtech ecosystem and ensure that diagnostics and pathology remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Australia.”

Aldo Santo, President of AHSPO, praised the partnership for its potential to tackle procurement challenges directly and deliver tangible benefits for Australian healthcare providers and patients. 

Similarly, Ian Burgess, CEO of MTAA, expressed confidence in the Alliance’s ability to strengthen local manufacturing and improve patient access to advanced medical technologies through unified efforts.

The Alliance is inviting Victorian medtech companies involved in manufacturing and development, both for local and global markets, to participate in this initiative.